If you attend class and thus complete homework during the semester, you will receive 2 points added to your final grade.

Grading Standards

Your grades in this class are based on this scale: A = 100-90%; B = 89-80%; C = 79-70%; D = 69-60%; F = 59-0%. In order to receive the grade average earned in class, you must earn at least a D/60 on the Grammar Final and a C/70 on the Writing Final. If you fail either of these finals, you will earn a final grade of F and must repeat the course.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing of the works cited)–whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. Plagiarism is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not. You can expect at best a 0 for the assignment and at worst an F in the course.

Submission Format Policy

All writing assignments must follow MLA format. You can complete In-class assignments in pen or pencil. You must type all out-of-class writing assignments. Submit all writing assignments in a composition folder that contains both pockets and brads.

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

The policy for submitting late work is as follows: Late homework is not accepted. A missed quiz or in-class writing assignment may be taken before the quiz or essay is returned in class, which is usually a week after the exam. Therefore, if you miss a quiz or writing on Monday, you must take the quiz or complete the writing assignment before class time on the following Monday. Work not completed in this time frame receives a grade of 0. Come to my office (BW 233) to make up work.

Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.
Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.
We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.
We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.
Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement

The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor

All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance in this class is profitable. Students who come to class obtain necessary class work and homework to prepare for the eight quizzes and four writing assignments. Those students who miss class excessively (defined by MSU as more than 2 times in a MW class and more than 3 times in a MWF class) are unprepared, find earning passing grades difficult, and lose the opportunity to gain the 2 point homework bonus.

Other Policies

Be on time: If you are repeatedly late to class, I will begin marking you absent. If extenuating circumstances prevent you from arriving on time, please let me know.

Practice courtesy: When I am speaking to the class, do not walk in front of me. If you arrive late to class, wait for my invitation. When another student is speaking, listen. All cell phones and other electronic devices must be silenced and put away during class. Do not leave class to answer your phone nor “text” during class. If you need to leave the room in order to use the restroom or get a drink of water, you do not need my permission; simply leave the room when I or a classmate is not speaking. Do not eat in the classroom. Disruptive behavior is grounds for being asked to leave the room and being counted absent.

Writing Proficiency Requirement

All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.